Faq

Many people with hearing loss first notice they are asking their friends and family to repeat more frequently, or they feel everyone around them is mumbling. Getting your hearing evaluated is the first step to treatment. Your audiologist will test your hearing to help determine if you have hearing loss and if you can benefit from amplification.

Hearing aids can make understanding speech much easier. However, they do not restore the natural functioning of your ear. 

The life of a hearing aid is about five to seven years. It is important to have regular appointments to ensure your hearing aid is functioning and programmed properly. Hearing aids also come with different warranties, typically two to three years, covering repair and loss replacement. Many hearing aids are still functioning well after seven years, while others may need re-programming, repair, or replacement.

Hearing aids can have rechargeable batteries (lithium ion) or use disposable batteries (zinc air). Rechargeable hearing aids come with a charger that plugs into an outlet or USB for patients to charge their hearing aids overnight. If you chose a model that uses disposable batteries, the batteries can be purchased at most pharmacies and grocery stores as well as online retailers, such as Amazon.

This depends on the type of battery and how many hours per day you wear your hearing aid. Smaller hearing aid batteries need replacing within 3 to 7 days, while larger batteries may last 10 days.

Each person’s experience will be different. Hearing aids can help you hear sounds you have not heard before (or have not heard for many years). Relearning takes place in the central auditory system, and the brain needs some time to sort out any new information entering the ears. You will have a 60-day trial period that allows you time to adjust to your hearing aids and evaluate their benefit. Based on your experience, programming changes can be made to help with the adjustment process. Most patients require several weeks of consistent hearing aid use to adjust to their new hearing aids.

A hearing aid is a small electronic device that amplifies sound and is worn in or behind the ear. Here’s a brief overview of how a hearing aid works:

1. Microphone: The microphone picks up sounds from the environment and converts them into electrical signals.

2. Amplifier: The electrical signals are then sent to the amplifier, which increases the volume of the sound.

3. Receiver: The amplified signals are sent to the receiver, which converts them back into sound waves.

4. Earpiece: The sound waves are then delivered to the ear through a small earpiece that sits in the ear canal.

Most modern hearing aids also include digital signal processing technology, which allows them to adjust to different listening environments and filter out background noise. Some hearing aids also have directional microphones that can focus on sounds coming from a specific direction, which can be particularly helpful in noisy environments.

There are several types of hearing aids available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here’s an overview of the most common types:

1. Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids: This type of hearing aid sits behind the ear and is connected to a custom earpiece that fits inside the ear canal. BTE hearing aids are suitable for people with mild to severe hearing loss and are often more durable and easier to handle than other types.

2. In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids: These hearing aids fit entirely in the ear and are suitable for people with mild to severe hearing loss. They are less noticeable than BTE hearing aids, but they may not be as comfortable for people with smaller ear canals.

3. In-the-canal (ITC) and completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aids: These types of hearing aids fit entirely in the ear canal and are the most discreet. They are suitable for people with mild to moderate hearing loss, but they may not be as effective in noisy environments or for people with severe hearing loss.

4. Receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) and receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) hearing aids: This type of hearing aid has a small, separate receiver that sits in the ear canal, while the main body of the hearing aid sits behind the ear. RIC and RITE hearing aids are suitable for people with mild to severe hearing loss and offer more natural sound quality than other types of hearing aids.

5. Bone conduction hearing aids: These hearing aids work by transmitting sound vibrations through the bones in the skull, rather than through the ear canal. They are suitable for people with conductive hearing loss or certain types of sensorineural hearing loss.

The best type of hearing aid for you will depend on several factors, including the severity and type of your hearing loss, your lifestyle and preferences, and your budget.

Selecting the right type of hearing aid can be a challenging task. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a hearing aid:

1. Degree and type of hearing loss: The type and severity of your hearing loss will determine which type of hearing aid will be most effective for you. Your audiologist can help you determine the type of hearing loss you have and recommend appropriate hearing aids.

2. Lifestyle: Consider your lifestyle and the environments you spend most of your time in. For example, if you are frequently in noisy environments, you may want a hearing aid with noise reduction features.

3. Cosmetics: Consider how visible you want your hearing aid to be. In-the-ear or completely-in-the-canal hearing aids are more discreet than behind-the-ear hearing aids.

4. Ease of use: Consider how easy the hearing aid is to use and how comfortable it is to wear.

5. Budget: Hearing aids can vary in price, so consider your budget when selecting a hearing aid.

6. Trial period: Make sure the hearing aid you select has a trial period, so you can try it out and determine if it’s the right fit for you.

7. Personal preference: Ultimately, the hearing aid you select should be one that you are comfortable wearing and meets your needs.

It’s important to work with a qualified audiologist who can help you select the right hearing aid and provide ongoing support and adjustments as needed.

The cost of hearing aids can vary widely depending on several factors, such as the type of hearing aid, the features included, the brand, and the location. Generally, hearing aids range in cost from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars per ear.

The cost of hearing aids may also include additional expenses such as hearing tests, fittings, and follow-up appointments with your audiologist.

It’s worth noting that most insurance plans, including Medicare, do not cover the full cost of hearing aids. However, some plans may cover a portion of the cost, and there are also resources available for financial assistance, such as the Hearing Loss Association of America’s Hearing Aid Project and the Starkey Hearing Foundation.

It’s important to consider the value of investing in high-quality hearing aids, as they can greatly improve your quality of life and overall health. Your audiologist can help you find a hearing aid that fits your budget and meets your needs.

In most cases, it is recommended that people with hearing loss wear two hearing aids, one for each ear. There are several reasons for this:

1. Better sound localization: Our brains use the differences in sound that reach each ear to determine where sounds are coming from. Wearing two hearing aids can help you better localize sounds and understand speech in noisy environments.

2. Balanced hearing: Wearing two hearing aids can help ensure that both ears receive balanced sound input, which can help prevent further deterioration of hearing in the weaker ear.

3. Improved sound quality: Wearing two hearing aids can provide a more natural and comfortable listening experience by improving the sound quality and reducing the need for excessively high volume levels.

4. Better understanding in group conversations: Wearing two hearing aids can help you better understand multiple speakers in a group conversation.

However, in some cases, such as in the case of single-sided deafness or a significant hearing loss in one ear and a normal hearing in the other ear, wearing one hearing aid may be more appropriate.

Ultimately, the decision on whether to wear one or two hearing aids should be made in consultation with your audiologist, who can help determine the best course of action based on your specific hearing needs and circumstances.